Thanksgiving dinner remains affordable

From staff Reports

Nov. 25, 2004 - A traditional Thanksgiving dinner - including turkey, stuffing, cranberries, pumpkin pie and all the trimmings - remains affordable and will cost less this year than last, according to the American Farm Bureau Federation.

In AFBF's annual informal survey of the price of basic items found on the Thanksgiving Day dinner table, the average cost of this year's feast for 10 is $35.68, a 60-cent price decrease from last year's survey average of $36.28.

"Americans enjoy an abundant, affordable and safe food supply throughout the year. As we celebrate Thanksgiving with family and friends, it is appropriate to take a moment to recognize that this blessing begins with our farmers and ranchers," said AFBF President Bob Stallman.

The AFBF survey shopping list includes turkey, stuffing, sweet potatoes, rolls with butter, peas, cranberries, a relish tray including carrots and celery, pumpkin pie with whipped cream and beverages of coffee and milk, all in quantities sufficient to serve a family of 10.

The cost of a 16-pound turkey, at $14.23 or roughly 89 cents per pound, reflects a decrease of 8 cents per pound, or a $1.24 decrease in the total average, compared to 2003. This is the largest contributor to the overall decrease in the cost of the 2004 Thanksgiving dinner.

The AFBF survey was first conducted in 1986 when the average cost of a Thanksgiving meal for a family of 10 was $28.74.